Valve assembly for an air cushion

ABSTRACT

An air valve assembly includes a housing defining an internal channel, a plunger member positioned in the internal channel and configured to slide relative to the housing, a biasing member positioned in the internal channel and configured to apply a biasing force onto the plunger member, a sealing member defining a first inflation aperture, the plunger member slidably received by the first inflation aperture, a second deflation aperture defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the internal channel, and a deflation control member slidably connected to the housing, the deflation control member configured to selectively seal the second deflation aperture.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an inflatable air cushion. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly for usewith an inflatable air cushion that includes at least one inflationzone. The valve assembly is configured to selectively facilitateinflation or deflation of the at least one inflation zone of the aircushion, improving inflation control and ease of use for a user.

BACKGROUND

Individuals who are confined to wheelchairs are at higher risk of tissuebreakdown and the development of pressure sores, which can be difficultto treat and/or cure. In certain circumstances, much of an individual'sweight can concentrate in the region of the ischium, which includes theischial tuberosity, or the bony prominence of the buttocks. Withoutregular movement, the flow of blood to the skin tissue in these regionscan decrease, leading to the tissue damage and the development ofpressure sores. Inflatable cellular air cushions are generally known toimprove distribution of weight and thus provide protection from theoccurrence of tissue damage and pressure sores. These cushions caninclude an array of air cells that project upwardly from a common base.Within the base the air cells are configured to communicate with eachother, and thus, all exist at the same internal pressure. Hence, eachair cell exerts essentially the same restoring force against thebuttocks, irrespective of the extent to which it is deflected. U.S. Pat.No. 4,541,136 discloses such a cellular cushion currently manufacturedand sold by Permobil, Inc. of Lebanon, Tenn., USA for use onwheelchairs. Known inflatable cellular air cushions generally utilize aSchrader valve for an inflation and deflation valve. While reliable formaintaining a desired inflation level, a Schrader valve has certainlimitations. For example, a Schrader valve generally includes anexternally threaded tube to facilitate a connection with an air supply(e.g., an air pump, etc.). Engaging the connection can be difficult fora user confined to a wheelchair, as the user can have difficultyaccessing and/or connecting (or disconnecting) the air supply to theSchrader valve. Further, inflation with a Schrader valve requires a pumpor other high pressure air supply device. As such, inflation of thecellular air cushions requires connection of an air pump. In addition, aSchrader valve can be difficult to facilitate deflation and control arate of deflation. A user must rotate a portion of the Schrader valve orfacilitate depression of a small internal core of the Schrader valve, todeflate the cellular air cushion. This can be difficult for some users,including those with dexterity limitations. In addition to beingdifficult to depress, the rate of air discharge is not readilycontrollable. This can lead to undesired excess deflation, resulting inthe cellular air cushion being underinflated. Accordingly, there is aneed for an air valve that improves a connection to an air supply, thatcan facilitate air inflation without an air pump, and can improvedeflation control for a user.

SUMMARY

In one example of an embodiment, an air valve assembly includes ahousing defining an internal channel, a plunger member positioned in theinternal channel and configured to slide relative to the housing, abiasing member positioned in the internal channel and configured toapply a biasing force onto the plunger member, a sealing member defininga first inflation aperture, the plunger member slidably received by thefirst inflation aperture, a second deflation aperture defined by thehousing and in fluid communication with the internal channel, and adeflation control member slidably connected to the housing, thedeflation control member configured to selectively seal the seconddeflation aperture. In a first inflation configuration, the plungermember is configured to overcome the biasing force and slide relative tothe first inflation aperture to facilitate a flow of air between thesealing member and the plunger member. In a first deflationconfiguration, the plunger member is slidably received by the firstinflation aperture and the deflation control member slides relative tothe housing to discharge air through the second deflation aperture.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of acellular cushion.

FIG. 2 is a bottom-up view of the cellular cushion of FIG. 1 with aplurality of cells removed to illustrate different zones of cells.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of an airvalve assembly for use with the cellular cushion of FIG. 1 showndetached from the cellular cushion and depicting a first male member ina disconnected configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first male member for use with the airvalve assembly in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first male member of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first male member of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the air valve assembly of FIG. 3 , withthe first male member removed.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the air valve assembly of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the air valve assembly of FIG. 8 .

Before embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments andof being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to an embodiment of an air valveassembly 200 configured for operation with a cellular cushion 10. Theair valve assembly 200 is configured to selectively control inflationand deflation of at least one inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42 of thecellular cushion 10. The air valve assembly 200 includes a firstinflation configuration, where the air valve assembly 200 is configuredto receive a first member 204 fluidly connected to an air pump. Amagnetic connection improves attachment and detachment of an associatedair pump. In conditions where an air pump is not present, the air valveassembly 200 can be inflated by a second inflation configuration, wherea user can blow air into the air valve assembly 200. The air valveassembly 200 also includes a deflation control member 290 that isslidably connected to a housing 248. Deflation can be controlled bysimply sliding the deflation control member 290, facilitating deflationthrough a deflation aperture 270 that is separate and distinct from aninflation aperture 266, 286.

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexample of an embodiment of a cellular cushion 10 (also referred to as acellular air cushion 10). The cellular cushion 10 includes a base 14 anda plurality of air cells 18. The base 14 is formed of a lower layer 22and an upper layer 26. The lower layer 22, which can also be referred toas a backing layer 22, can be coupled to the upper layer 26, for examplethrough an appropriate adhesive, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower layer 22 can be formed of a first material while the upper layer26 can be formed of a second, different material. In one example of anembodiment, the lower layer 22 can be formed of polyurethane while theupper layer 26 can be formed of a flexible neoprene. In other examplesof embodiments, the lower and upper layers 22, 26 can be formed of anymaterial (or combination of materials) suitable for operation of thecellular cushion 10 as described herein. A suitable example of thecellular cushion 10 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,136, thecontents of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The plurality of air cells 18 project away from the base 14. Theplurality of air cells 18 are molded into the upper layer 26, and thusare defined by the upper layer 26. In addition, the upper layer 26interconnects the plurality of air cells 18. Each of the plurality ofair cells 18 include four fins F. In other examples of embodiments, eachof the plurality of air cells 18 can have any suitable configuration,including but not limited to air cells 18 having any number of fins, anynumber of sides, or having no fins (e.g., cylindrical cells, cubicalcells, rounded cells, etc.).

The plurality of air cells 18 are arranged on the upper layer 26 in aplurality of longitudinal and transverse rows. As such, each air cell 18occupies both a longitudinal row and a transverse row. In other examplesof embodiments, the plurality of air cells 18 can be arranged in anygeometry suitable for providing support to a user. For example, the aircells 18 can be arranged in a semi-circular pattern, a circular pattern,or any other suitable arrangement or geometry of air cells 18.

With reference now to FIG. 2 , the cellular cushion 10 is arranged intoat least one inflation zone. More specifically, the air cells 18 (shownin FIG. 1 ) of the cellular cushion 10 are arranged into a plurality ofzones (also referred to as inflation zones). In the illustratedembodiment, the plurality of zones include four different inflationzones 30, 34, 38, 42. A first zone 30 is positioned adjacent to a secondzone 34 along a first axis 46. Stated another way, the first and secondzones 30, 34 are positioned side by side at a front F (or first end F)of the cellular cushion 10. A third zone 38 is positioned adjacent to afourth zone 42 along the first axis 46. Stated another way, the thirdand fourth zones 38, 42 are positioned side by side at a rear R (orsecond end R) of the cellular cushion 10. In addition, the first zone 30and the third zone 38 are positioned side by side along a second axis50. Stated another way, the first and third zones 30, 38 are positionedside by side along a right side S₁ (or a first side S₁) of the cellularcushion 10. The second zone 34 and the fourth zone 42 are alsopositioned side by side along the second axis 50. Stated another way,the second and fourth zones 34, 42 are positioned side by side along aleft side S₂ (or a second side S₂) of the cellular cushion 10. It shouldbe appreciated that the sides (i.e., right and left sides) are describedin relation to viewing the cellular cushion 10 from the front F to therear R. When describing the sides in relation to the user sitting on thecellular cushion 10, the first side S₁ can be referred to as a leftside, and the second side S₂ can be referred to as a right side. In theillustrated embodiment, the first axis 46 is generally perpendicular to(or generally orthogonal to) the second axis 50. In other embodiments ofthe cellular cushion 10, the zones 30, 34, 38, 42 of air cells 18 (shownin FIG. 1 ) can be oriented in any suitable orientation or geometryrelative to each other. In addition, in other examples of embodiments,the plurality of zones can include two zones, three zones, five or morezones, or any suitable or desired number of zones. It should beappreciated that each zone 30, 34, 38, 42 includes a plurality of aircells 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ).

A fluid conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 (also referred to as an air conduit 54,58, 62, 66) fluidly connects each of the plurality of zones 30, 34, 38,42 to a valve assembly 100. A first fluid conduit 54 fluidly connectsthe first zone 30 to the valve assembly 100. A second fluid conduit 58fluidly connects the second zone 34 to the valve assembly 100. A thirdfluid conduit 62 fluidly connects the third zone 38 to the valveassembly 100. A fourth fluid conduit 66 fluidly connects the fourth zone42 to the valve assembly 100. It should be appreciated that each zone30, 34, 38, 42 is generally fluidly isolated from any other zone 30, 34,38, 42. It should be appreciated that each conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 can beformed in any suitable manner. For example, in one example of anembodiment each conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 can be molded or vacuum formedbetween the lower and upper layers 22, 26 of the base 14 (shown in FIG.1 ).

An air valve assembly 70 (also referred to as an air valve 70) isfluidly connected to the plurality of air cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ).More specifically, the air valve 70 is fluidly connected to the firstzone 30 by an air passageway 72. In other examples of embodiments, theair valve 70 can be fluidly connected to the second zone 34, the thirdzone 38, or the fourth zone 42. The air valve 70 is configured tofacilitate inflation and deflation of the plurality of air cells 18 (orinflation and deflation of the plurality of zones 30, 34, 38, 42). Forexample, the air valve 70 can be configured to engage an air pump (notshown) to facilitate inflation. The air pump can be a hand pump, amanual pump, a motorized pump, or any other suitable pump that isconfigured to supply air to the cellular cushion 10. The air pump (notshown) can provide a flow of air to one zone, illustrated as the firstzone 30. Air travels from the first zone 30 to the valve assembly 100through the first conduit 54. The air is then distributed to the otherzones 34, 38, 42 through the respective conduits 58, 62, 66 by the valveassembly 100. Similarly, the air valve 70 can be configured to deflatethe plurality of cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the cellular cushion 10.The air valve 70 can be opened to the atmosphere, facilitating a releaseof air within the plurality of cells 18. More specifically, air can flowfrom the second, third, and fourth zones 34, 38, 42 to the first zone30. The air flows through the respective conduits 58, 62, 66 to thevalve assembly 100, where it is directed through the first conduit 54 tothe first zone 30, and then discharged from the cellular cushion 10through the air valve 70.

The valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to selectively openor close. In response to being in an open position, the valve assembly100 is configured to fluidly connect all of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42through the respective conduits 54, 58, 62, 66. The open position isdesired for inflation or deflation of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42 (or theassociated air cells 18, shown in FIG. 1 ). In response to being in aclosed position, the valve assembly 100 is configured to fluidlydisconnect all of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42. As such, each of theplurality of zones 30, 34, 38, 42 is fluidly isolated such that aircannot travel from one zone 30, 34, 38, 42 to any of the other zones 30,34, 38, 42 through the respective conduits 54, 58, 62, 66. Statedanother way, the valve assembly 100 blocks any such fluid movementbetween zones 30, 34, 38, 42. An example of the valve assembly 100 isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,936, the contents of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 3-9 illustrate an example of an embodiment of an improved airvalve assembly 200. The air valve assembly 200 is configured to coupleto the air passageway 72 (shown in FIG. 2 ) to facilitate selectiveinflation and deflation of the plurality of air cells 18 (or inflationand deflation of the at least one inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42). Itshould be appreciated that while the illustrated cellular cushion 10illustrates a plurality of inflation zones 30, 34, 38, 42, the air valveassembly 200 is configured for use with a cellular cushion 10 thatincludes at least one inflation zone. Stated another way, the air valveassembly 200 can be configured for use with a cellular cushion 10 thatincludes one inflation zone or two or more inflation zones. Thus, atleast one inflation zone can include one inflation zone or a pluralityof inflation zones.

With specific reference to FIG. 3 , the air valve assembly 200 (alsoreferred to as an inflation-deflation valve assembly 200) is configuredto engage a first member 204. The first member 204 (also referred to asa male member 204 or first inflation element 204) is configured to bereceived by the air valve assembly 200, which includes a female portion208.

With reference now to FIG. 4 , the first member 204 includes a first end212 opposite a second end 216. The first end 212 defines a valveengagement member 220, while the second end 216 defines a plurality ofbarbs 224. The second end 216 is configured to engage to an air pump(not shown) or other air source to facilitate air flow for inflation.The air pump can be a hand pump, a manual pump, a motorized pump, or anyother suitable pump that is configured to supply air to the cellularcushion 10 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The plurality of barbs 224 can providefrictional engagement with an air supply hose (not shown) to transportair flow from the air pump (not shown) to the valve engagement member220.

Moving on to FIG. 5 , the valve engagement member 220 of the firstmember 204 can include a keyed geometry to facilitate a complimentaryengagement with the female portion 208 of the air valve assembly 200. Inthese embodiments, to facilitate the keyed engagement the first member204 includes a geometry that is complimentary to an associated geometrydefined by the female portion 208. More specifically, the first member204 defines a plurality of elongated recesses 228. The elongatedrecesses 228 are positioned around an outer circumference of the firstmember 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 204 includesfour elongated recessed 228. In other examples of embodiments, the firstmember 204 can include any suitable number of recesses 228 (e.g., 2, 3,5, 6 or more, etc.) to facilitate the keyed engagement (or keyedconnection) to the female portion 208 of the air valve assembly 200. Theplurality of elongated recesses 228 are generally parallel (or generallyaligned) with an axis of engagement A₁ (or a first axis A₁), which isillustrated in FIG. 6 . It should be appreciated that the keyed geometrycan be an optional feature. In other examples of embodiments, the femaleportion 208 can be configured to receive a portion of the first member204, and more specifically the valve engagement member 220 of the firstmember 204. In these embodiments, the valve engagement member 220 and/orthe female portion 208 can have any suitable geometry to facilitateengagement, and further removable receipt of the valve engagement member220 of the first member 204 by the female portion 208.

With reference now to FIG. 6 , the first member 204 defines an airpassage 232. The air passage 232 extends entirely through the firstmember 204 from the first end 212 to the second end 216. The air passage232 extends along the axis of engagement A₁ (or the first axis A₁). Thevalve engagement member 220 also houses a magnetic member 236. Themagnetic member 236 defines a central passage 240 (or aperture 240) thatis aligned with the air passage 232. Thus, a supply of air 244 (or anairflow 244) travels from the air pump (not shown), through the secondend 216 of the first member 204, through the air passage 232 and thecentral passage 240 of the magnetic member 236, before exiting the firstend 212 of the first member 204. In the illustrated embodiment, themagnetic member 236 is an annular magnet. In other examples ofembodiments, the magnetic member 236 can have any suitable geometry(square, rectangle, etc.) while also defining the central passage 240that can be aligned with the air passage 232 to facilitate a flow of airthrough the first member 204. It should be appreciated that the supplyof air 244 (or direction of airflow 244) is generally parallel to theaxis of engagement A₁ (or the first axis A₁).

With reference now to FIGS. 7-8 , the air valve assembly 200 includes ahousing 248. The housing 248 defines a first end 252 opposite a secondend 256. The housing 248 defines the female portion 208 at the first end252. The second end 256 defines a plurality of barbs 260. The second end256 is configured to engage to the air passageway 72 (shown in FIG. 2 )of the cellular cushion 10 to facilitate inflation and/or deflation ofthe plurality of air cells 18. The plurality of barbs 260 can providefrictional engagement with the air passageway 72 to transport air flowto or from the plurality of air cells 18 (or the at least one inflationzone 30, 34, 38, 42). The housing 248 defines a plurality sides 264.More specifically, housing 248 generally has a polygonal cross-sectionalshape defined by the plurality of sides 264. In the illustratedembodiment, the polygonal cross-sectional shape is generally a pentagon.In other examples of embodiments, the polygonal cross-sectional shapecan be triangular, square, rectangular, a hexagon, or any suitablenumber of sided polygon. The plurality of sides 264 advantageouslyimprove stability of the air valve assembly 200, limiting rotational (orrolling) movement when positioned adjacent to the cellular cushion 10(such as when positioned on a wheelchair).

With reference to FIG. 9 , the female portion 208 defines a firstaperture 266. More specifically, the housing 248 defines the firstaperture 266 at the first end 252. The first aperture 266 is sized toslidably receive the first member 204 (shown in FIG. 4 ). Accordingly,the first aperture 266 has a geometry that is complimentary to the firstmember 204 in order to facilitate a keyed engagement. The housing 248also defines an internal channel 268 that extends from the firstaperture 266 to the second end 256. Stated another way, the internalchannel 268 extends from the first end 252 to the second end 256. Theinternal channel 268 is configured to selectively allow for a supply ofair 244 from the first end 252 through the second end 256. The housing248 also defines a second aperture 270. The second aperture 270 extendsthrough the sidewall 264 and is fluid communication with the internalchannel 268. It should be appreciated that the first aperture 266 can bereferred to as an inflation aperture 266 (or a first inflation aperture266), and the second aperture 270 can be referred to as a deflationaperture 270.

A plunger member 272 is positioned in the internal channel 268 and isconfigured to selectively seal the first aperture 266. Morespecifically, the plunger member 272 is configured to slide within theinternal channel 268 along the axis of engagement A₁ (or the first axisA₁). A sealing member 274 is positioned in the internal channel 268 atthe first aperture 266. The sealing member 274 defines an aperture 276(or central passage 276) that is aligned with the internal channel 268.The aperture 276 also includes a sloped surface 278. The plunger member272 defines a complimentary sloped surface 280 that is configured toengage the sloped surface 278 of the aperture 276 of the sealing member274. Thus, the plunger member 272 is configured to slide relative to thesealing member 274 to selectively seal the aperture 276 of the sealingmember 274. Stated another way, the aperture 276 slidably receives theplunger member 272. It should be appreciated that the aperture 276 andthe aperture 268 can be collectively referred to as a first inflationaperture 268. Thus, the sealing member 274 can define (or partiallydefine) the first inflation aperture 268. It should be appreciated thatthe supply of air 244 (or direction of airflow 244) is generallyparallel to the axis of engagement A₁ (or the first axis A₁).

With continued reference to FIG. 9 , in the illustrated example of anembodiment, the sealing member 274 is a magnetic member 274. Further,the magnetic member 274 can be an annular magnet. In other examples ofembodiments, the magnetic member 274 can have any suitable geometry(square, rectangle, etc.) while also defining the aperture 276 that isgenerally aligned with the internal channel 268 to facilitate a flow ofair through the air valve assembly 200. It should be appreciated thatthe magnetic member 274 is configured to attract to the magnetic member236 of the first member 204. At least one of the magnetic members 236,274 is a magnet. In one example of an embodiment, one of the firstmagnetic member 236 or the second magnetic member 274 can be a magneticmember (e.g., magnetized, ferromagnetic, etc.), while the other of thesecond magnetic member 274 or the first magnetic member 236 can be ametallic member that is not magnetized but is configured to magneticallyattract to the magnetic member. Stated another way, one of the magneticmembers 236, 274 can be magnetized, while the other of the magneticmembers 274, 236 can be non-magnetized but magnetically attracted to themagnetized magnetic member 236, 274. In another example of anembodiment, both the magnetic members 236, 274 can be magnetic members(e.g., magnetized, ferromagnetic, etc.). As such, the combined magneticmembers 236, 274 can define a magnetic connection between the air valveassembly 200 and the first member 204. In one example of an embodiment,the magnetic member 236 can be referred to as a first magnetic member236, while the magnetic member 274 can be referred to as a secondmagnetic member 274. In another example of an embodiments, the magneticmember 274 can be referred to as a first magnetic member 276, while themagnetic member 236 can be referred to as a second magnetic member 234.

The plunger member 272 can include an annular seal member 282 (or afirst seal member). In the illustrated embodiment, the annular sealmember 282 is a gasket 282 (e.g., an O-ring, etc.). In addition, abiasing member 284 applies a biasing force onto the plunger member 272towards a closed position (or a closed configuration), as shown in FIG.9 . Stated another way, the biasing member 284 applies a biasing forceonto the plunger member 272 towards engagement with the second magnet274. Thus, the biasing force directs the plunger member 272 into sealedengagement with the second magnet 274 to seal the first aperture 266.The annular seal member 282 can further assist with sealing the firstaperture 266 by further limiting a flow of air between the plungermember 272 and the second magnet 274.

The plunger member 272 also defines a central aperture 286 (or a centralchannel 286) that extends through the plunger member 272. The centralaperture 286 can also be referred to as a second inflation aperture 286or a third aperture 286. The central aperture 286 carries a seal member288, illustrated as an umbrella seal 286. The seal member 288 can bereferred to as a second seal member 288. In other examples ofembodiments, the seal member 288 can be any suitable type of seal toselectively allow and/or block a flow of air through the secondinflation aperture 286.

A deflation control member 290 is slidably connected to the housing 248.The deflation control member 290 is configured to slide relative to thehousing 248. A second biasing member 292 applies a second biasing forceonto the deflation control member 290 to a closed configuration (or aclosed position). In the closed position, the deflation control member290 blocks the second aperture 270, restricting airflow out of thesecond aperture 270. The deflation control member 290 is configured toslide relative to the housing 248 to overcome the bias applied by thesecond biasing member 292 to an open position. In the open position (oropen configuration or deflation configuration), air is configured to bereleased out of the second aperture 270. More specifically, thedeflation control member 290 defines a first, sealing portion 294 and asecond, recessed portion 296 (or a channel portion 296). Whentransitioning from a closed position (shown in FIG. 9 ) to the openposition, the deflation control member 290 slides relative to thehousing 248 in a direction parallel to the first axis A₁. The sealingportion 294 moves out of engagement with the second aperture 270, andthe recessed portion 296 moves into fluid communication with the secondaperture 270. The recessed portion 296 creates a fluid connection withthe atmosphere, facilitating a deflation flow of air out of the housing248 of the air valve assembly 200. A seal 298 can be positioned betweenthe deflation control member 290 and the second aperture 270 to assistwith restricting air flow in response to the deflation control member290 being in the closed position.

In operation, the air valve assembly 200 is configured to operate in afirst inflation configuration and a second inflation configuration. Inthe first inflation configuration, the air valve assembly 200 isconfigured to receive the first member 204. More specifically, the firstmember 204 is received by the female portion 208. The magneticconnection is configured to form between the first member 204 and theair valve assembly 200. More specifically, the first magnetic member 236is attracted to the second magnetic member 274. Once in magneticengagement, the first end 212 of the first member 204 engages a portionof the plunger member 272 that extends beyond the second magnetic member274 into the female portion 208. The magnetic connection allows thefirst member 204 overcome the bias applied by the biasing member 284onto the plunger member 272. Thus, the first member 204 slides theplunger member 272 relative to the housing 248 along the first axis A₁from a closed position (or a closed configuration), shown in FIG. 9 , toan open position (or open configuration). In the open position, thesloped surface 280 of the plunger member 272 slides out of engagementwith the sloped surface 278 of the aperture 276 of the second magneticmember 274. This allows air to pass between the sloped surfaces 278,280, and enter the internal channel 268 from the first end 252. Morespecifically, air is allowed to travel from the air pump (not shown)through the first member 204, through the first aperture 266, into theinternal channel 268, through the second end 256 and into the airpassageway 72 to transport air flow to the plurality of air cells 18 (orthe at least one inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42). Once a user inflatesthe plurality of air cell 18 (or the at least one inflation zone 30, 34,38, 42) to a targeted or desired inflation level, a user can remove thefirst member 204 from engagement with the air valve assembly 200. Morespecifically, the user withdraws the first member 204, disengaging themagnetic connection between the magnetic members 236, 274. As the firstmember 204 is withdrawn from the female portion 208, the first member204 no longer engages the plunger member 272 sufficiently to overcomethe bias applied by the biasing member 284. As such, the bias applied tothe plunger member 272 by the biasing member 284 facilitates slidingmovement of the plunger member 272 towards the closed position (or theclosed configuration), shown in FIG. 9 . The biasing member 284 slidesthe plunger member 272 relative to the housing 248 along the first axisA₁ to the closed position, where the sloped surface 280 of the plungermember 272 is positioned into engagement (or reengagement) with thesloped surface 278 of the aperture 276 of the second magnetic member274. This restricts the flow of air through the first aperture 266.

In the second inflation configuration, air is configured to enter theinternal channel 268 while the first aperture 266 is closed. Morespecifically, the plunger member 272 is positioned in the closedpositioned (or the closed configuration) relative to the second magneticmember 274, as shown in FIG. 9 . In this second inflation configuration,a user can blow air into the female portion 208, or the first end 252 ofthe housing 248, to provide an inflation source. An example is air fromthe user's mouth. As the user exhales into the first end 252, the airenters the female portion 208. The air is not sufficient to overcome thebias applied by the biasing member 284, thus the plunger member 272remains in the closed position. However, the air travels through thecentral aperture 286 of the plunger member 272, where the seal member288 allows the air to selectively enter the internal channel 268. Theair can then travel from the internal channel 268 through the second end256 and into the air passageway 72 to transport air flow to theplurality of air cells 18 (or the at least one inflation zone 30, 34,38, 42).

The air valve assembly 200 is also configured to facilitate controlleddeflation of the plurality of air cells 18 (or the at least oneinflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42). Deflation can occur through the secondaperture 270. Stated another way, deflation can be controlled through anaperture separate from the first or second inflation apertures 266, 286.To control deflation, the user slides the control member 290 relative tothe housing 248 to overcome the bias applied by the second biasingmember 292. As the control member 290 slides, the sealing portion 294 ofthe control member 290 is moved out of fluid communication with thedeflation aperture 270. The recessed portion 296 of the control member290 is moved into fluid communication with the deflation aperture 270.Air can then travel from the plurality of air cells 18 (or the at leastone inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42), through the air passageway 72,through the second end 256 of the air valve assembly, into the internalchannel 268 and through the deflation aperture 270. The discharging airis then directed by the recessed portion 296 to the atmosphere. Toterminate deflation, the user can simply release the control member 290.The bias applied by the second biasing member 292 slides the controlmember 290 such that the sealing portion 294 is placed into fluidcommunication with the deflation aperture 270, sealing air flow from thedeflation aperture 270.

It should be appreciated that during deflation, the control member 290still overlaps the deflation aperture 270. This protects the air valveassembly 200 from dirt, debris, water, or other contaminants fromentering the internal channel 268. Stated another way, in both a closedposition and an open position of the control member 290, the controlmember 290 overlaps the deflation aperture 270.

In addition to the controlled deflation (also referred to as a firstdeflation configuration) discussed above, the air valve assembly 200 isalso configured to operate in a second deflation configuration. In thesecond deflation configuration, the air valve assembly 200 is configuredto receive the first member 204, and air discharges from the pluralityof air cells 18 (or the at least one inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42),through the second end 256 of the air valve assembly 200, through theinternal channel 268, through the first aperture 266 and out through thefirst member 204. In this second deflation configuration, deflation canoccur when the air pump (not shown), which is fluidly connected to thefirst member 204, is not providing an air flow (or not facilitatinginflation) to the cellular cushion 10. For example, the second deflationconfiguration can be used to deflate the cellular cushion 10 in anuncontrolled manner, such as for uninflated storage when not in use.

One or more aspects of the air valve assembly 200 provides certainadvantages. For example, the air valve assembly 200 provides forcontrolled inflation and deflation of a fluidly connected cellularcushion 10. The air valve assembly 200 includes a first inflationconfiguration, where the air valve assembly 200 is configured to receivea first member 204 fluidly connected to an air pump. The first member204 is a male member that is easily received by a female portion 208.Further, the male member 204 engages the air valve assembly 200 by amagnetic connection, eliminating cumbersome threaded connections tofacilitate inflation. In situations where an air pump is not present,the air valve assembly 200 can be inflated by a second inflationconfiguration. In the second inflation configuration, a user can blowair into the female portion 208, or the first end 252 of the housing248, to provide an inflation source. The air valve assembly 200 alsoincludes a deflation control member 290 that is slidably connected tothe housing 248. A user can facilitate controlled deflation of thefluidly connected cellular cushion 10 by merely sliding the deflationcontrol member 290 relative to the housing 248. To terminate deflation,the user simply releases the deflation control member 290, where asecond biasing member 292 biases the deflation control member 290 to theclosed position. The air valve assembly 200 also includes a plurality ofsides 264 that advantageously improve stability of the air valveassembly 200. This limits rotational (or rolling) movement whenpositioned adjacent to the cellular cushion 10, such as when positionedon a wheelchair. These and other advantages are realized by thedisclosure provided herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air valve assembly comprising: a housingdefining an internal channel; a plunger member positioned in theinternal channel and configured to slide relative to the housing; abiasing member positioned in the internal channel and configured toapply a biasing force onto the plunger member; a sealing member defininga first inflation aperture, the plunger member slidably received by thefirst inflation aperture; a second deflation aperture defined by thehousing and in fluid communication with the internal channel; and adeflation control member slidably connected to the housing, thedeflation control member configured to selectively seal the seconddeflation aperture, wherein the plunger member defines a secondinflation aperture, the second inflation aperture receives a second sealmember, wherein in a first inflation configuration, the plunger memberis configured to overcome the biasing force and slide relative to thefirst inflation aperture to facilitate a flow of air between the sealingmember and the plunger member, and wherein in a first deflationconfiguration, the plunger member is slidably received by the firstinflation aperture and the deflation control member slides relative tothe housing to discharge air through the second deflation aperture. 2.The air valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a firstbiasing member, and further comprising a second biasing memberconfigured to apply a biasing force onto the deflation control member.3. The air valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the deflation controlmember is biased towards a closed configuration.
 4. The air valveassembly of claim 3, wherein in response to overcoming the bias appliedby the second biasing member, the deflation control member slides to anopen configuration relative to the housing to discharge air through thesecond deflation aperture.
 5. The air valve assembly of claim 1, whereinthe deflation control member defines a recessed portion, and in thefirst deflation configuration the recessed portion is in fluidcommunication with the second deflation aperture.
 6. The air valveassembly of claim 5, wherein the deflation control member defines asealing portion, and in the first inflation configuration the sealingportion is in fluid communication with the second deflation aperture. 7.The air valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the second seal member is anumbrella seal.
 8. The air valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondinflation aperture is configured to slide with the plunger member in thefirst inflation configuration.
 9. The air valve assembly of claim 1,wherein in a second inflation configuration, the plunger member isslidably received by the first inflation aperture, and the second sealmember selectively facilitates a flow of air through the secondinflation aperture.
 10. The air valve assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a female portion defined by the housing, wherein the femaleportion is configured to receive a first member fluidly connected to anair source, wherein in the first inflation configuration, the firstmember engages the plunger member to overcome the biasing force andslide relative to the first inflation aperture to facilitate a flow ofair between the sealing member and the plunger member.
 11. The air valveassembly of claim 10, wherein the first member is configured to form amagnetic connection with the sealing member.
 12. The air valve assemblyof claim 11, wherein the first member includes a first magnetic member,and the sealing member is a second magnetic member.
 13. The air valveassembly of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first magnetic memberor the second magnetic member is a magnet.
 14. The air valve assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the first member defines an air passage, and the firstmagnetic member defines an aperture aligned with the air passage. 15.The air valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the second magnetic memberdefines the first inflation aperture.
 16. The air valve assembly ofclaim 10, wherein in a second deflation configuration, the first memberengages the plunger member to overcome the biasing force and sliderelative to the first inflation aperture to facilitate a flow of airbetween the sealing member and the plunger member.
 17. The air valveassembly of claim 16, wherein in the first inflation configuration, airis configured to flow from the air source through the first memberbetween the sealing member and the plunger member, and into the internalchannel.
 18. The air valve assembly of claim 17, wherein in the seconddeflation configuration, air is configured to flow from the internalchannel between the sealing member and the plunger member, and outwardthrough the first member.
 19. The air valve assembly of claim 18,wherein the air valve assembly is configured to be in fluidcommunication with a cellular cushion defining at least one inflationzone, wherein in response to the first inflation configuration, airflows from the air source through the first member to the internalchannel to the at least one inflation zone, and wherein in response tothe second deflation configuration, air flows from the at least oneinflation zone through the internal channel and outward through thefirst member.
 20. An air valve assembly comprising: a housing definingan internal channel and a female portion, the female portion isconfigured to receive a first member fluidly connected to an air source;a plunger member positioned in the internal channel and configured toslide relative to the housing; a biasing member positioned in theinternal channel and configured to apply a biasing force onto theplunger member; a sealing member defining a first inflation aperture,the plunger member slidably received by the first inflation aperture; asecond deflation aperture defined by the housing and in fluidcommunication with the internal channel; a deflation control memberslidably connected to the housing, the deflation control memberconfigured to selectively seal the second deflation aperture; andwherein in a first inflation configuration, the first member isconfigured to engage the plunger member to overcome the biasing forceand slide relative to the first inflation aperture to facilitate a flowof air between the sealing member and the plunger member, the firstmember is configured to form a magnetic connection with the sealingmember, and wherein in a first deflation configuration, the plungermember is slidably received by the first inflation aperture and thedeflation control member slides relative to the housing to discharge airthrough the second deflation aperture.
 21. The air valve assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member, andfurther comprising a second biasing member configured to apply a biasingforce onto the deflation control member.
 22. The air valve assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the deflation control member is biased towards aclosed configuration.
 23. The air valve assembly of claim 22, wherein inresponse to overcoming the bias applied by the second biasing member,the deflation control member slides to an open configuration relative tothe housing to discharge air through the second deflation aperture. 24.The air valve assembly of claim 20, wherein the deflation control memberdefines a recessed portion, and in the first deflation configuration therecessed portion is in fluid communication with the second deflationaperture.
 25. The air valve assembly of claim 24, wherein the deflationcontrol member defines a sealing portion, and in the first inflationconfiguration the sealing portion is in fluid communication with thesecond deflation aperture.
 26. The air valve assembly of claim 20,wherein the first member includes a first magnetic member, and thesealing member is a second magnetic member.
 27. The air valve assemblyof claim 26, wherein at least one of the first magnetic member or thesecond magnetic member is a magnet.
 28. The air valve assembly of claim26, wherein the first member defines an air passage, and the firstmagnetic member defines an aperture aligned with the air passage. 29.The air valve assembly of claim 28, wherein the second magnetic memberdefines the first inflation aperture.
 30. The air valve assembly ofclaim 20, wherein in a second deflation configuration, the first memberengages the plunger member to overcome the biasing force and sliderelative to the first inflation aperture to facilitate a flow of airbetween the sealing member and the plunger member.
 31. The air valveassembly of claim 30, wherein in the first inflation configuration, airis configured to flow from the air source through the first memberbetween the sealing member and the plunger member, and into the internalchannel.
 32. The air valve assembly of claim 31, wherein in the seconddeflation configuration, air is configured to flow from the internalchannel between the sealing member and the plunger member, and outwardthrough the first member.
 33. The air valve assembly of claim 32,wherein the air valve assembly is configured to be in fluidcommunication with a cellular cushion defining at least one inflationzone, wherein in response to the first inflation configuration, airflows from the air source through the first member to the internalchannel to the at least one inflation zone, and wherein in response tothe second deflation configuration, air flows from the at least oneinflation zone through the internal channel and outward through thefirst member.